Following the evacuation and temporary site closure of mining operations from BC to Quebec amid Canada's wildfires, some affected miners have started to host emergency workers while others have been forced to re-suspend operations.
Canadian exploration firm Maple Gold has several properties in Quebec, including its current focal point, the Douay project, a joint venture with Agnico Eagle.
Matthew Hornor, president, chief executive and director of Maple Gold, told Mining Magazine that the company's operations had not been affected by the fires in the area.
"We're not being directly impacted, thankfully, because the first phase of the deep drill program has been completed," he said. "And we're preparing for the second phase."
With no drillers or activity ongoing, Hornor and his company have opened the site to regional efforts.
"We're housing 30 firefighters in our camp," he said.
With equipment and personnel off-site, Hornor does not anticipate any long-term effects on Maple Gold's operations but did warn of potential issues producers in fire-impacted areas could see.
"If their facilities burn down, then they're going to be put back in time, they're going to have to go rebuild, and that'll cause an impact to their progress and operations," said Hornor.
Hecla Mining Company announced on Tuesday the re-suspension of operations at the Casa Berardi mine due to the forest fires in the Abitibi and Eeyou-Istchee region of the James Bay area. That followed the directives by Quebec's Ministry of Natural Resources and Forests to close certain forest lands and access roads.
All mine personnel are safe, and the infrastructure has not been impacted, said Hecla Operations at Casa Berardi were suspended earlier in the month due to forest fires, with the mine re-starting operations on June 15th.
Public health impact
As 408 active wildfires continue to burn across Canada, the federal government is warning of potential health complications as the plumes of smoke cause air quality concerns across North America.
The North American nation's 2023 wildfire season has been off to an unprecedented start as every province and territory, except Nunavut, tries to combat local fires.
"We are currently living through devastating wildfires across the country during one of the worst wildfire seasons on record,' said Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Health.
Duclos continued: "These events can harm our communities and our health, which is why we are working with all partners to mitigate this situation, reduce the risk to people from air pollution, and support those affected. During these times, we should all take the necessary actions to protect our health and wellbeing, including knowing the air quality in our communities and reducing exposure to wildfire smoke."
While wildfires rage coast to coast, Alberta and Québec have been disproportionately affected, the prairie province is battling 73 active fires, while la belle province is fighting to extinguish 111 within its borders.
"As wildfires continue to threaten communities across the country, we are working closely with impacted provinces, territories and Indigenous partners to ensure effective coordination and adequate resources are in place to minimise the impact," Bill Blair, Minister of Emergency Preparedness. "We are deeply grateful to the first responders, firefighters, community volunteers, and all those working around the clock to protect the health and safety of Canadians. Thank you for answering the call."
Global Response
As smoke from the wildfires wafts around the globe, many countries have pledged their support and sent firefighters and equipment to aid Canada's efforts to stomp out the embers and prevent new fires.
Some of that support has come from south of Canada's border, with the US sending 100s of firefighters.
Late last week, President Biden directed the Department of Defense (DoD) to provide technology to quickly identify fires for the country's northern neighbour.
"This technology can provide early warning of emerging wildfires in remote wilderness areas so that the fires can be stopped before they spread and burn out of control," the White House statement read.
The DoD will also share real-time data from US satellites and sensors, building on an agreement between the US National Interagency Fire Center and the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre.
"The Biden Administration is also deploying additional US Department of the Interior (DOI), USDA Forest Service (USFS), and state wildland firefighting personnel and equipment, including air tankers and smokejumpers, to assist with ongoing wildfire suppression efforts in Canada,' it read.
As Canada's firefighters battle the blazes and fatigue, France, Portugal, Spain, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, and Costa Rica have all sent relief personnel and equipment.
